I’ve always wanted to start a story with a “Bigfoot” sighting. I guess I finally get my chance.

Once again, the Boys Haven 28th Annual Crawfish, Food, & Music Festival (with car show) has set itself apart from other fundraisers (besides the guest appearance of Harlan “Bigfoot” Hatcher and T-Roy Broussard of the History Channel’s Swamp People) with its “all fun, all day” approach to the festival’s events.

It’s not often that supporting a worthy cause appeals to all of the senses and leaves you feeling full.

Full of music, from lively Cajun crooning to alternative rock and blues. Full of food, from crawfish and corn dogs to chicken and BBQ. Full of that feel-good feeling, from taking the time to give back as you play an active role in helping Boys’ Haven fulfill its mission to provide “a port for stormy times in boy’s lives.”

Come out and get your good-deed meter rising as you enter a one-stop shop for car envy, crawfish, music, raffles, and lots of family fun, all packaged nicely together for a great cause.

The festival is Boys Haven’s annual fundraiser, and after 28 years, “It keeps getting bigger and better,” says Tony Castillo, Boys Haven CEO. “Boys Haven has been offering support to boys in need not just in Southeast Texas but throughout the entire state for the past 68 years. It’s a legacy that is happening now and is going to continue for many generations to come. The success of this fundraiser will be another example of how our community supports worthy causes.”

With local music acts like Longneck Road, IllusionFive, Jerry Mullin, Bayou City Rollers, and the Port Arthur Playboys, it’s no wonder the supporters keep coming back and the event continues to attract new faces and new donors.

David Sticker, fiddle player of the Port Arthur Playboys, says it will be a great place to “kick back & relax, drink a little and dance.”

If that doesn’t lure you in, he’s also throwing out an offer that I, personally, couldn’t refuse.

“We will also will let you play one of our scrub boards. Most people cannot resist giving the scrub board a shot,” Sticker says.

The Port Arthur Playboys are sure to add that Cajun flavor to the day with their “upbeat Cajun dance-hall music,” topped with “a little Zydeco and Swamp Pop to get everyone moving.”

The Port Arthur Playboys formed in the spring of 2010 from a combination of Cajun bands. They play a mix of accordion (squeeze box), Cajun fiddle, bass, drum, rub board and triangle.

If I had to think of an apt simile, it would go something like this: The Port Arthur Playboys are like the Tabasco topping off the day’s already great music. They just add a little spice and heat. They’ve got big hearts and often play benefits to give back to the community. And if you want to continue the party on Mother’s Day, they’ll be heading out to the Texas Crab Festival at Crystal Beach.

Boys’ haven crawfish festivalWhen: 11-7 p.m, SaturdayWhere: Parkdale Mall (in front of Kaplan College), 6155 Eastex FreewayCost: Admission is free. Crawfish is $10 per box.
Advance registration of street rods, classic cars, trucks, sports and imports or motorcycles is $25; $30 at the gate.All of the proceeds go to the personal needs of the boys who live at Boys’ Haven.
Info: boyshaven.com